Our Crew & Vessels
SpringTide Whale Tours is a full service marine tourism company, offering whale watching on High Speed Open Zodiacs and luxury MotorYachts. If you are looking for a first hand experience of the Pacific Ocean with the wind in your hair or a luxury and comfortable cruising experience we have the right package for you.

61' Motor Yacht the "Marauder IV"
Big Boat Comfort…for those who prefer a larger vessel

BC's largest whale watching vessel, certified by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard for up to 84 passenger, this comfortable 61' motor yacht is complete with inside and outside seating and viewing decks, heated indoor cabins and comfortable seating for viewing inside and out.

The Marauder IV is complete with:

• BC's Biggest & Newest
• Luxury, comfort and fun
• 84 passengers
• For those who prefer a larger vessel
• Private restrooms
• Four huge outside viewing decks
• Full 360° walk around decks
• Seating on forward deck for spectacular viewing
• Two inside heated cabin areas
• Covered top deck
• Underwater hydrophones wired into stereo
• State of the art audio system on all decks
• University-degreed Marine Biologists
• Transport Canada certified vessel & crew
• Complimentary snacks & refreshments
• No waivers required
• 10:00 14:00 & 17:30 departures
• Built to Transport Canada Specifications
• Length over all: 61 feet
• Length on deck: 56' 6 feet
• Registered tonnage: 38.5
• Propulsion: Twin Catapillar Turbo Charged After Cooled Marine Disels
• Transmission: Twin disk with trolling valve on Port engine
• Shafts: 316 SS X 2.5"
• Propellors: 4 Blade SS
• Fuel Tankage: 2,000 liters diesel

28' High Speed Open Zodiac
….for those who prefer high speed open vessel excitement!!

Specially trained, professional guide/naturalists provide educational narration and answer your questions while you travel on one of our high-speed 28' Zodiacs. These ridged-hulled vessels are equipped with the latest in satellite electronics, communications systems, and twin engines. All our skippers are highly-experienced and knowledgeable.

• 12 passengers per vessel
• Open air ridged hulled inflatable vessel
• Underwater microphones
• Marine naturalists
• Transport Canada certified vessels & crew
• Full-cover cruiser suits provided
• Goggles and gloves also available
• Super thrilling tour
• High-speed travel to and from whales
• 9:00 10:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:30

OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

SPRINGTIDE WHALE TOURS is owned by Joanne & Dan Kukat. Dan earned his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of BC and is a Chartered Accountant. Joanne, also a UBC Commerce graduate, has had successful Sales and Customer Service careers with IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation (now Hewlett Packard). Dan and Joanne have operated SpringTide Charters in Victoria for over sixteen years.

Dan volunteers a great deal of his time to the preservation and conservation of our marine mammals and their environment. As Past-President of the Whale Watch Operators Association - North-West, Dan is actively involved in the formulation and promotion of the "Best Practices Guidelines and Regulations" of the Whale Watching Industry. Dan also sits on the Pacific Marine Mammal Advisory Council advising the Federal Government on Regulations for private and commercial marine mammal watching. As a Federally appointed member of the Canadian Sport Fish Advisory Board, Dan advises the Federal Government on Sport Fishing regulations. Also on the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area Advisory Board, Dan has been instrumental in the development of what is Canada's first Marine Protected Area!

Our SpringTide Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you in all aspects of the excursion - happy to offer advice on what to bring, assist in the suiting of all-weather suits, and to provide complimentary coffees and hot chocolate before, during and after the trip! Our friendly staff, instantly recognizable in their red SpringTide uniforms, are delighted to provide Whale Watching participants information on their favourite destinations in town - from a local's point of view!

SpringTide has become highly respected in the industry for their superior narrative program and professional tour management. Capt. Steve McConnell is an experienced large vessel Captain in command of the 61' MotorYacht. Suzanne VanAssum, B.Sc. (Marine Biology) along with Angie Gignac, B.Sc. (Marine Biology) lead our Naturalist team and impart their extensive knowledge to the delight of our passengers. Heather Ring, B.Sc. (Marine Biology), Operations Manager, assists in all areas of the company ensuring SpringTide passengers have a truly memorable excursion! Cheryl Smith, our Office & Administration Manager ensures everything runs efficiently from an office point of view.